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Published: March 30th 2012
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Shillong City View from White Orchid Shillong
Shillong City View from White Orchid Shillong The city of
Shillong with a population of over half a million is the capital of Meghalaya and was the seat of the government of Assam during the British Raj from 1874 until 1905.
It is also the centre-point located at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level. Shillong, which was made Assam's capital in 1874, remained so till January 1974, following the formation of Meghalaya outside Assam. The capital city derives its name from the manifestation of the creator called Shulong, born to a peasant girl, but he bestowed the art of democratic governance and rule of justice in the formation of the princely State of Shyllong (Hima Shyllong), which subsequently bifurcated into Mylliem State and Khyrim State in 1830.
The place, the people and the climate all combine to create an atmosphere to make Shillong an ideal holiday resort throughout the year. Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth is only 56 kms away from Shillong. Shad Sukmynsiem means dance with joyful heart. It is a thanks giving dance, held in shillong in the month of April every year.
We had planned out Honeymoon Trip to Shillong; planned to start on 16th May 2011 (Monday) and Scheduled Return
Abode of Clouds
Abode of Clouds from White Orchid Shillong on 21st May 2011 (Saturday).
We boarded Guwahati bound Spicejet flight SG 883 on 16th May at 11:45 hrs from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata and reached Guwahati at 12:55 hrs. From Guwahati, we hired a Tata Indigo to Shillong for INR 1600. Distance between Guwahati and Shillong is 108 Kms and it takes about 4.5 hrs for the total journey with a 30mins halt at Nongpo to have lunch and refreshments.
After completing lunch, we are back to traversing our way to Shillong which then was still about 2 hours away. In the late afternoon hours rain set in. It looked very nice while we are on the way . We finally reached The Guest House: White Orchid Shillong at Upper Lachumiere.
Some of the Travel Spots in and around Shillong are:
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Shillong Peak An ideal picnic spot, 10 kms. from the city, 1965 meters above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the scenic country side, and is also the highest point in the State. Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peak's summit every springtime, by the religious priest of Mylliem State. In the evening
Shillong Night View
Shillong City View from White Orchid Shillong the city lights below appear like a star-studded abyss.
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Cherrapunjee (Sohra) 56 kms from Shillong, situated in one of the rainiest rain-belt in the world, 1,300 meters above sea level. A pleasant drive to see roaring water falls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang falls. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission.
One of the more popular things to do in Shillong is to take a day trip to Cherrapunji or Sohra as it is locally known. It receives the wettest place on earth. The 56 km drive itself will take your breath away as you cruise along the tops of rolling hills, halt at roadside lakes, visiting the waterfalls that pop along the route.
It is one of the best roads in the country for motorbiking.
The clear skies add clarity to the green beneath. Along the sides of the roads you will glimpse the many stone monoliths erected in honour of the local chiefs. Within Cherrapunji, you can visit the Ramakrishna complex which operates a charity school and have
Bridge to Cherrapunjee
Bridge to Cherrapunjee their area headquarters located here. The British Cemetery is another popular tourist spot in Cherrapunji. For the more adventurous, a visit to the local limestone caves is a must. Your cab driver can take you there and these stalactite and stalagmite-filled caves are a must-see sight in Shillong.
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Ward's Lake Located in the heart of the city, popular for short garden walks and boating, celebrated its centenary recently.
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Golf Course The third oldest golf course in India. Developed in 1889 as a nine hole course, was later converted to 18 holes in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. R. Rhodes. It is termed as the 'Gleneagle of the East' at the United States Golf Association Library and Museum.
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Elephant Falls 12 kms on the outskirts of the city, the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern covered rocks.
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Mawlynnong This place is about 86 kms from Shillong and is 20 kms before the India-Bangladesh Border. At Mawlynnong, you can experience the cleanest village in Asia, get some taste of the local food (food was extremely nice and hygienic), see the living root tree bridge and last but not the least experience the sky-view of Bangladesh
From Cherrapunji View Point
From Cherrapunji View Point landmass. To summarize, Mawlynnong is both thrilling and beautiful.
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Don Bosco Museum, MawlaiIt has 17 galleries showcasing the lifestyle, characteristics and cultural aspects of the seven states of the North East. The sculptures depicting the subtleties and differences among the region's various ethnic groups are a treat for the eye. It also houses an extensive collection of nearly 10,000 books on the North East region. Spread over seven floors, the top floor of the museum offers a bird's-eye view of Shillong. The hexagonal building is topped by a flame-like structure, to illustrate the coexistence of cultures.
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Umiam Lake(Barapani) It is located seventeen kilometers before entering Shillong—a large lake formed after a hydroelectric dam was built across a stream. It has become an increasingly popular place for outings and weekend visits. There are facilities for water sports here: from water skiing for the adventurous to water cycling and simple boating for the less brave. The Orchid Lake Resort which overlooks the lake has pleasantly appointed rooms with balconies, a restaurant and a bar.
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